Anyone who deals with injury management knows the value of having a medical certificate issued that matches the injured worker’s capacity to the duties available in the workplace. Equally important is the issue of a final certificate when the worker’s capacity matches that of his/her pre-injury duties. But what information is provided to the treating doctor to make this call? Do you have a workplace representative attend the first medical appointment with the injured worker and if so, are they equipped with adequate documentation to assist with negotiation of an appropriate medical certificate?

Task analysis reports that detail the physical, cognitive and environmental demands of suitable and/or pre-injury duties are invaluable in providing objective information to the doctor. If the doctor has a breakdown of tasks that includes weights to be lifted, working heights, bending, standing required etc. they are more likely to set meaningful restrictions that enable an early return to work.

Job task analysis reports can also be used to develop functional assessments for pre-employment/ internal redeployment screening or assessments of a worker’s ongoing capacity to remain at work. The analysis conducted during the job task assessment can also form the basis from which tailored manual handling training can be developed. A good place to start!

If you would like to know more about Injury Treatment’s tailored job task analysis service, or any of our injury prevention services, please contact Judy Jankovics, Manager Training and Corporate Health on 02 8746 3314.